The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is aiming to set comprehensive and harmonised aviation security standards through a new industry task force, the global aviation security action group (GASAG).
Tasks will include determining, with aircraft manufacturers, what aggressive flight manoeuvres pilots can take to foil a hijack attempt without exceeding aircraft structural limitations.
The GASAG consists of representatives from IATA, airline regional associations, the Airports Council International, the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations, and Airbus. Interpol, Boeing and the International Civil Aviation Organisation are observers.
IATA wants states to "recognise their responsibility" for aviation security and plans to harmonise the industry's position on security issues including: protection devices for crew use; firearms and other weapons; cabin and safety equipment security risks; "defensive" flight manoeuvres; disruptive passenger legislation; transport of deportees by air; and air/ground communications.
Speaking at the Flight Safety Foundation's International Air Safety Seminar in Athens, Greece, IATA's safety chief Capt Paul Woodburn said he hopes that industry positions can be defined "within six months", although he admits that implementation will take much longer.
Working with international agencies such as ICAO, the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Civil Aviation Conference, GASAG aims to press for the definition of world standards for an extensive list of security issues including: control of access to secure areas; background checks on all airside and security workers; biometric identification; security standards for checking passengers, baggage and freight; sky marshals; flight deck security; cabin surveillance cameras; and pilot and cabin crew procedures when faced with different types of security threat.
Source: Flight International
